Friday I worked from home in the morning (I'm working on a Certified Aging & Disability Specialist certification), so after I finished I could head straight out. I loaded up my board around noon, and headed back to Birdseye Dock, my go-to launching spot.
When I got there I was shocked by how low the tide was. As I unloaded my board and gear I noticed the tide was so low all the duck and goose poop was exposed at the bottom of the ramp. Disgusting, but I had no choice but to walk through it to get my board into the water. I strapped all my stuff to my board and launched, being careful to clean the bottom of my feet before putting them on the board.
Once on my feet I headed across the river. After going out Wednesday night and being rejected by the wind, it was a pleasure paddling across. Wednesday it was so windy I had to paddle on the same side the whole time, leaving me exhausted after only reaching the marsh after which I turned around and went back. So on this day I easily made it across to the marsh and paddled upriver towards the entrance.
Upon reaching the entrance I was amazed at how low the tide was. I slowly made my way up the main channel of the marsh, but quickly realized the water wasn't going to be deep enough to explore the smaller channels as I wanted (hell, they were 4 feet above my head at the moment!), so I decided to go back to the river and head down to the Washington Bridge. On my way out I noticed something swimming along the edge of the marsh. Initially I thought it was a turtle, but it was moving too fast and I could see a sleek body behind it. "Must be a snake," I thought, and I spun around to paddle quietly after him. If he saw me he paid me no attention as he continued to make his way up the edge of the marsh, slowly weaving in and out. Occasionally ducking under the water only to reappear a few yards ahead. As I continued to follow I realized it wasn't a snake - it looked like a ferret or a weasel! After it turned around and headed back down the marsh, with me following the whole way, it finally came out of the water onto the beach and I realized what it was - a huge RAT!
Anyway, after the rat ducked into a hole in the marsh, I headed out into the river. As I paddled towards the Washington Bridge a boat approached, slowing beside me. "You okay? Do you need a lift?" the driver of the boat asked. I told him I was great, but he didn't seem to believe me. "I can throw you a line and tow you back if you want" he again offered. "No I'm great right here, couldn't be better!" I insisted. I guess he got the point because he took off, his young daughter waving as they disappeared up river. I had a few other boats full of people wave as I passed, many looking surprised to see a paddleboarder out in the middle of the river.
I got to the Washington Bridge, and as I passed underneath on the Milford side I could see kids hanging out up in the rafters. I crossed into the harbor and snapped a few pictures, enjoying my new waterproof case for my Samsung Galaxy Note 2. The case is a DiCAPac, which I highly recommend if you have an electronic device that needs protection from water. It has very clear plastic windows, and seals just like a dry bag, with a ziploc type closure at the top, which rolls down and is secured with velcro, which is then secured by another velcro latch. Highly recommended, and worked fine in conjunction with my screen protector.
I had a smoke and some water, then spun around and headed back up river. I made my way back to the marsh, going in as far as I felt I comfortably could with the tide as low as it was. I sparked a joint, but the current out of the marsh was quickly carrying me back to the river. Rather than coasting out into the river I paddled towards the beach, and anchored myself with my feet. I finished off my smoke then had a cigarette and some water before pushing off the beach. I paddled further into the marsh, making my way a few hundred yards in before turning around and paddling back out. I headed down river, making my way past the dock. I passed a sailboat full of hot girls, waving as I passed, and finally slowly eased my way into Birdseye Dock.
Another great day on the water! Was nice to know my DiCAPac lets my Note 2 take excellent photos still, and I can't wait for my waterproof bluetooth speaker to arrive!
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